In 1987, because of the progressive accumulation of salts and of physical stress on the remains, the fabric of the site was under severe threats, which led to a campaign of conservation works funded by the Corporation of London (COL). Within the framework of these conservation works the Museum of London’s Department of Urban Archeology (DUA) and successively the Museum of London Archaelogy Service (MOLAS) were asked to conduct a detailed assessment of the archeological remains at Billingsgate.

The COL is now considering putting the site on display, which is how this project saw the light. Indeed, in order to prevent further deterioration and to open Billingsgate to the public new series of conservation works need to be undertaken:

– Dust, dirt and crystal salts will be removed from all the surfaces of the site

– The top 50mm of sand will be removed and replaced by new sand of different colours to match original

– Loose material from cracks and/or render will be removed

– Mosaics floors will be cleaned

– Loosed tesserae will be re- set in lime mortar

– Disturbed mortar will be consolidated or replaced

– Cracks will be flushed out

– Loose masonry will be secured

If you want to know more about the conservation work process go see our “conservation work diary” section.